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10 Benefits You Can Get By Drinking Coconut Water

This naturally refreshing liquid found inside a young, green coconut has a sweet and nutty taste. It contains easily digested carbohydrate in the form of sugar and electrolytes and is dubbed as “Mother Nature’s sports drink” by marketers. Ideally, young coconuts are harvested at 5-7 months of age, to contain the most water.

Coconut water has been consumed for centuries in tropical countries and is believed to treat a variety of health-related ailments. In Sanskrit, coconuts are called “kalpa vriksha” which means “tree which gives all that is necessary for living”.

Coconut water is a great natural electrolyte, and it contains high amounts of potassium. It is also low in carbohydrates -- it contains only about 4.5% carbohydrates, whereas typical sports drinks can contain 6% - 8% carbohydrate concentration. It’s also packed with antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

Here’re some reasons why you should start drinking coconut water:

Lower Blood Pressure

Coconut water is considered good for controlling high blood pressure, thanks to its vitamin C, potassium and magnesium content. Potassium, in particular, helps lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of sodium.

Boost Hydration

The ingredients in coconut water are way more effective at hydrating the human body than those of sports and energy drinks. Coconut water serves as an excellent replacement of mineral-rich fluids you lose during rigorous exercise or extended periods of physical activity with its 294mg of potassium and 5mg of natural sugar content per glass.

Electrolyte Replacement

Coconut water is high in potassium and such a great electrolyte replacement. It has even been used for IV hydration in certain emergency situations. Coconut water is a great low-sugar hydration choice for after a workout.

Facilitate Digestion and Improve Metabolism

Because of its high concentration of fiber, it aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux. Plus, coconut water is a good source of manganese -- one of the crucial things required for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates and fats into energy. This is why coconut water helps improve your metabolism.

Hangover Remedy

Coconut water is also a great natural remedy for hangovers. Alcohol robs your body of hydration and this dehydration causes your morning-after booze blues. Coconut water replenishes the electrolytes in the body and boosts hydration, thus making you feel better. And the antioxidants in this revitalizing health drink fight oxidative stress caused by indulging in too much alcohol. It will also help settle an acid stomach.

Weight Loss

Coconut water is an ideal drink for weight loss. The fat content in coconut water is extremely low, so generous quantities can be consumed without the fear of immediately packing on the pounds. It also suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full because of its rich nature. In fact, this light and refreshing drink contains various bioactive enzymes that aid digestion and boost fat metabolism.

Boost Energy

A glass of coconut water contains roughly 5 mg of natural sugar, which is much better for you and has a similar energy-boosting effect as artificial sugar. That same glass of coconut water also contains 294 mg of potassium, which helps your cells produce energy.

Reduce Stress and Muscle Tension

Some of the electrolytes found in coconut water, specifically calcium and magnesium, may help with stress and muscle tension. Magnesium and calcium work together to help maintain muscle relaxation. So drink up on a stressful day to help you stay calm and stress-free.

Detox Your Body

Dehydration resulting from water or electrolyte loss leads to fatigue, irritability, confusion, and extreme thirst. These symptoms result from the inability for the kidney to adequately flush toxins out of the system. Coconut water contains a similar electrolyte profile to human blood, making it an ideal beverage to replace fluids and help remove toxins from the body. The electrolyte potassium, specifically, can help counteract some of the negative effects of a high sodium processed diet.

Promote Cardiovascular Health

Cholesterol-and-fat-free tender coconut water offers cardio protective benefits. It helps lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or the ‘good’ cholesterol) levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Plus, coconut water has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties and helps improve circulation. Thus, it helps reduce plaque formation in the arteries and lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Coconut water is also beneficial for your skin and hair:

Moisturize skin

Reduce signs of aging

Help reduce pigmentation

Treat skin infections

Help reduce acne

Stimulate hair growth

Add shine to your hair

To reap the maximum health benefits, opt for fresh and pure coconut water over the bottled version. You can drink a few cups of coconut water a day or add it to your smoothie recipes.